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              Opelika, Ala March 21st 1867

Gen. W. Swayne
       Dear Sir I write you for information in regard to the duties of the Probate Judge in connection with the Freedmens Bureau and desiring you to send me all orders in regard to their duties as such. I have been lately Elected Probate Judge of this Lee County and I amd desirous to do my duty in the promises all I want to know is what the law and orders are that govern me in the premises. I know what the laws of the State are But do not know what your orders are or what the laws of the United States are that should govern me in cases connected with the Freedmens Bureau

We have a case here today growing out of some children of a Freedman whose name Alix Smith whose children are in the employ of Samuel T Starr it was desired that I should heare the case as to the legal custody of the children of the said Alix Smith But as the order seemed to be in my judgement directing the Seargant that had them to turn the children loose from Starr and and as such I was not dispose to interfere in the premises as I know that the Civil authorities have no wright to interfere in cases where the Military